Aquarena is officially moving ahead, bringing the community closer to enjoying upgraded aquatic and leisure facilities and a more welcoming outdoor space for people of all ages and abilities.
Manningham Mayor, Councillor Jim Grivas, said the redevelopment represents a significant investment in the community's long-term health and wellbeing.
"We will be delivering enhanced water play area, improved change rooms, more shade, and better spaces for schools, clubs and families - which is what the community told us matters most, as well as an integrated indoor/outdoor café" Cr Grivas said.
"That said, this upgrade is about so much more than new facilities - it's an investment in a healthier, happier Manningham for years to come.
"Since 1969, Aquarena has been a much-loved destination for our community and visitors.
"This redevelopment will honour that legacy, while ensuring the centre continues to support good health, wellbeing and social connection for future generations," Cr Grivas said.
At a meeting on Tuesday 24 February, we endorsed the Aquarena Outdoor Redevelopment, including the replacement of the ageing 50 metre outdoor pool, originally built around the time of the Melbourne Olympics and now at the end of its useful life.
In doing so, we balance value for ratepayers with long term health and wellbeing benefits for the community.
The redevelopment will proceed with a new 50 metre outdoor pool design featuring a ramp and moveable swim wall to improve flexibility and accessibility. The project will also deliver new change rooms and tiered spectator seating to better support clubs and schools from across the region.
Additional features include a new café with indoor and outdoor seating and a dedicated family and children's zone, with toddler pool and water play area. New BBQs and landscape features will also be provided in keeping with the 'Your Backyard' theme of the project.
The project also incorporates a range of sustainable features including all electric heat pump technology to reduce environmental impact and ensure long‑term efficiency.
We have appointed McCorkell Constructions as the contractor for the redevelopment following a rigorous selection process.
"McCorkell Constructions was chosen to ensure high-quality outcomes, value for money and alignment with our budget considerations and timelines," Cr Grivas added.
Construction is expected to start in April 2026.
During the construction period, the main centre at Aquarena will remain open to the public and continue to offer a broad range of indoor aquatic, leisure and fitness activities for the community.
The outdoor facilities will be closed during the construction period, however Council will work with centre operators Aligned Leisure, to minimise disruptions to patrons and our community.
We will continue to keep the community informed throughout the delivery of the project.
